A gas-electric SUV such as the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV seems appealing on paper. It provides sufficient electric range for typical daily drives, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds, comes with standard all-wheel drive, and features advanced active dampers. The distinctive Alfa three-leaf grille is included. Additionally, it boasts elaborately crafted wheels, a chrome-topped twin exhaust system, along with the identical steering-column mounted paddleshift controls found in many other models. Giulia Quadrifoglio However, beyond all the marketing and specifications, the Tonale’s basic structure can be traced back to something far from exotic. Jeep Compass .
Our team of expert editors puts each car through its paces before we publish our reviews. Learn more about our testing process and review methods here.
The Lowdown
Alfa Romeo provides a conventional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for the non-hybrid version of the Tonale, but the Tonale PHEV employs a peculiar hybrid setup featuring a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels alongside an electric motor situated at the rear axle for all-wheel-drive capability. Together, these components generate a total output of 285 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, enabling this roughly 4130-pound SUV to sprint with the verve one would anticipate from an Alfa Romeo.
However, the divided powertrain introduces some peculiarities. Power reaches the front axle via a six-speed automatic transmission, yet since the sole electric motor is positioned at the rear, the Tonale PHEV operates as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle when running solely on electricity. Despite having a 15.5-kWh battery pack that allows for up to 33 miles of all-electric driving, its performance is constrained due to the modest 121-horsepower output from the electric motor paired with the car’s considerable weight.
- The vehicle being tested is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Tributo Italiano eAWD.
- Base Price: $53,990
- Price as tested: $58,125
- Location: Royal Oak, Michigan
More Specs
Engine: 1332cc turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a singular electric motor
Power: 285 horsepower (maximum system output)
Torque: 347 lb-ft (peak system total)
0-60 mph: 6.0-sec
Transmission: 6-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Weight: 4133 lbs
EPA MPG: 77 MPGe
How Does It Drive?
Like any proper Italian vehicle, the Tonale’s powertrain shines best when you press hard on the accelerator and both the engine and electric motor work synergistically. Individually, however, these components fall short. The small four-cylinder engine tends to vibrate excessively, and the car lacks sufficient insulation to dampen this noise effectively. It became evident rather swiftly that substantial RPMs were necessary for decent performance, yet the six-speed automatic transmission often kept gears engaged well beyond what was comfortable acoustically.
On the other hand, operating the Tonale in its all-electric mode—labeled "A" on the vehicle’s drive dial—I found the SUV's acceleration to be quite sluggish. Despite my efforts to use only battery power, I frequently ended up inadvertently activating the gasoline engine by pushing down on the throttle in search of more pep.
The test vehicle we had was the Tributo Italiano special edition, equipped with rather large 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 all-season tires that felt as thin as rubber bands. These oversized rims did not complement the state of American roadways well. Bumps encountered on rough concrete surfaces were quite harsh when using the firmest suspension mode. Although this Alfa shares ancestry with the modest Jeep Compass, its frame lacks the comfort and softness integrated into the Jeep design.
At least Alfa employs the active dampers to enhance ride comfort with just a push of a button via the DNA selector. This allows drivers to maintain the sporty Dynamic powertrain settings while reducing the stiffness in the suspension for a smoother experience.
Regrettably, my expectations for the Tonale’s firm chassis dynamics translating into precise handling quickly faded away. Driving this SUV feels akin to tiptoeing; everything seems overly cautious. While turn-in response is swift thanks to the responsive steering rack, there isn’t so much as an inkling of feedback transmitted through the wheel. Although body lean seemed moderate during normal driving conditions, the stability system intervened prematurely and forcefully once cornering forces increased, pulling the vehicle back even when intervention didn’t seem necessary. Despite being capable of reaching high speeds, the Tonale appears unenthusiastic about the entire experience.
The Alfa’s friction brakes feature substantial Brembo four-piston calipers at the front; however, the integration of regenerative and conventional braking seemed outdated. Many sporty or performance-focused hybrids provide an imperceptible shift in brake pedal feedback, making the transition seamless. The Tonale fails to do this smoothly—it offers an oddly spongy initial part of the pedal with minimal deceleration followed by a firm section that resists precise control. On the positive side, though, I didn’t experience any shortage of stopping power even when pushing the compact SUV aggressively. Despite my criticism, it held up adequately under pressure. Quadrifoglio badge.
Alfa should be commended for integrating the engine and electric motor seamlessly into a single power source whenever they're called upon to perform at full capacity. Unlike systems where the front wheels struggle for grip, Alfa’s setup ensures even distribution thanks to the efficient operation of the electric motor at the back. While the four-cylinder can sound rough at lower RPMs, it becomes more refined at higher revs; however, this improvement isn’t particularly thrilling. Despite having large paddle shifters readily available—which sometimes interfere with the indicator lever—the sluggish reaction time during manual shifts made them less appealing to use. Fortunately, the 'D' driving mode manages gear changes intelligently, holding onto gears longer and executing timely downshifts under deceleration. And when I was When caught at a higher speed, the electric motor’s torque remained readily available for swift bursts of acceleration forwards.
What Is It Like to Live With?
The Tonale stands out as the most comfortable and technologically advanced Alfa, boasting ample rear seating and an effective entertainment system. In this exclusive Tributo Italiano edition, the upscale design of the already luxurious interior is elevated even more through the use of red stitching, carbon fiber-style accents, and "Tributo Italiano" embroidery adorning the headrests. Although the dashboard features striking ambient lighting with illuminated Alfa logos serving as a highlight, the entire cabin fails to fully justify its near-$60,000 cost tag.
In contrast to the Stelvio and Giulia, which utilize Alfa’s proprietary infotainment system (often best described as subpar), the Tonale employs Stellantis's well-known UConnect 5. It feels refreshing to experience technology that actually works within an Alfa Romeo model at last. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function seamlessly, making this native infotainment setup among our top picks. However, the sole annoyance arises from accidentally tapping small icons during bumpy rides due to the vehicle’s lively movements over uneven terrain.
The front seats offer genuine Alfa charm; they provide ample support without feeling restrictive. The steering wheel avoids the usual sports car pitfall of being overly bulky and sits comfortably in hand, thanks to its pleasing leather wrapping. It’s commendable that Alfa includes tangible buttons for most climate controls, enhancing user experience. However, it's somewhat disappointing that the heating function for the seats relies on a touchscreen rather than providing dedicated physical switches.
Oddly enough, the Tonale offers considerably more legroom in the backseat compared to the Stelvio, even though it is approximately six inches shorter overall. Additionally, the Tonale outdoes the Stelvio in terms of storage capacity behind its rear seats, despite having a battery packed within the floor in the middle of the car.
Should I Buy One?
Honestly, you shouldn't. If your aim is to purchase an Alfa Romeo SUV and have a thrilling driving experience, go directly for one model and completely bypass the Tonale. larger Stelvio Integrating a plug-in hybrid powertrain into a compact SUV like this is a notable engineering achievement that many of Alfa’s rivals do not provide; however, the implementation falls short—Alfa's Stelvio excels much more dynamically. The sole advantage of the Tonale seems to be reduced fuel expenses. For typical Alfa purchasers, would saving money at the pump outweigh driving experience as their main concern?
The Tonale PHEV also fails at offering good value, as its base price starts at just around $3,000 less than the entry-level Stelvio’s cost. When fully loaded similar to my tested vehicle priced at $58,125, this price difference becomes insignificant. However, leasing might make it more attractive due to potential eligibility for the federal EV tax credit which isn’t an option for buyers paying upfront.
However, the pricing of the Tonale PHEV is frankly not as significant an issue compared to other more apparent problems such as its weak electric motor, ungainly design proportions, and subpar overall driving experience. This was especially disappointing considering the impressive performance one would expect from Alfa’s larger models built on the Giorgio platform. BMW X2 , Mercedes-Benz GLB , or Volvo XC40 All provide an exceptional luxurious experience at a comparable cost. Sadly, this Alfa fails to compete with others using impressive styling or exhilarating performance.
Highlights and Lowlights
We Love:
- Stunning 33-mile electric range, sufficient for the majority of everyday needs.
- The interior technology is superior in any Alfa Romeo.
- Greater internal room and superior functionality compared to the Stelvio.
We Don't:
- The electric motor and gasoline engine both perform poorly when operating individually.
- Below-average performance, uncomfortable journey on bumpy streets.
- Ineffective shift between rain-assisted stopping and tire-based deceleration.
Favorite Detail:
The traditional dial display choice for the digital instrument panel offers a pleasant nostalgic element, and you can still opt for a digital speedometer placed centrally. It’s delightful how Alfa draws from its legacy in such an inventive way, which puts a grin on your face as soon as you take the driving seat; this nuance could not have come at a better time for theTonale, needing all the appeal it can muster.
